21st Century Oncology in Asheville recently announced to its patients and referring physicians that since the tragic fire on July 28th, it has successfully executed an emergency action plan enabling the transition of cancer patients for needed treatment to its six additional treatment centers located throughout western North Carolina. As of August 1st, patients have received consultations and radiation therapy treatments at nearby 21st Century Oncology cancer centers without disruption.
The 445 Biltmore Avenue radiation therapy center will be closed temporarily. The group has prepared a new office space at 675 Biltmore Avenue, Suite F for consultations and continued follow up. The clinic is located 0.5 miles south on Biltmore Avenue.
“It was imperative for us to execute our action plan immediately following the fire to enable our cancer patients to receive their necessary treatments,” said Dr. Quinten Black, medical director of 21st Century Oncology in Asheville. “Our staff’s exceptional teamwork and resourcefulness allowed us to reach our goal of being fully operational by Monday August 1st. We are extremely proud to report that our network infrastructure, current patient treatment plan relocation, quality assurance processes, dosimetry relocation, and logistics have all been restored.” Advanced radiation therapy treatments including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy, Image Guided Radiation Therapy using Cone Beam CT, and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy are continuing at all six treatment centers.
Patients and referring physicians were contacted with an expedient relocation plan that prevented potential delays in consultations and treatments. With Asheville being the primary hub for its six additional facilities, time was of the essence to ensure the network’s infrastructure was in place. Within 72 hours, all local 21st Century Oncology centers had undergone a simulated treatment day "stress test" and were fully operational. In spite of its successful efforts, the cancer team will certainly never forget the acts of valor demonstrated by the firefighters and first responders who were on the scene to extinguish the fire and evacuate those in the medical plaza.
“Our team is grateful to all of the first responders and fire and rescue personnel that risked their lives to ensure patient and personnel safety,” said Dr. Black. “We are deeply saddened at the tragic loss of Captain Jeff Bowen and our thoughts and condolences are with his family, fellow firefighters, and everyone affected by the fire.”
For more information about scheduling appointments and treatment center locations, patients and physicians can call 21st Century Oncology in Asheville at (828) 253-7077.

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